Season 1 champ Melanie Amaro made a triumphant return to “The X Factor” on Thursday. The 20-year-old singer was back on stage to perform her new single “Long Distance” off her upcoming debut Truly…, which will be released in early 2013. She belted out the big tune as confetti fell from the sky, receiving a standing ovation from the judges including Simon Cowell and Britney Spears.

“It feels great,” said Melanie of her homecoming. “I have tons of wonderful people that love me and take me in and I thank you guys so much. I get stopped in the street every day.”